The joy of watching children’s eyes light up as they open their presents on Christmas doesn’t always match the happiness the children feel inside. Local nonprofit groups, governments, schools, businesses and residents are working hard to ensure every child has at least one gift to unwrap this holiday season.

‘Tis the season for sharing, and Saratoga Elementary School has partnered with the Saratoga Fire Department, the city of Saratoga has partnered with Sacred Heart Community Services and local business Mouroux Chiropractic is working with the U.S. Marines collecting donations for the Toys for Tots program.

Toy donations make a huge difference for needy children and their parents, said Jay Pecot, fund development manager with Sacred Heart Community Services.

“It allows a child from an impoverished family to receive something new and participate in the joy of Christmas. They see it happening all around them when their friends are bringing something new to school and they’re bringing something old. It creates a kind of alienation, and we don’t want that,” he said.

Sacred Heart expects to give out two toys and one book each to more than 5,600 children this year. Between 400 and 500 kids will receive bicycles.

Allowing parents the opportunity to give their kids something on Christmas brings some dignity to their lives, Pecot said.

“For the parents, it’s just critical. With the economy dragging out so long, this gives them an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their children and not have it negatively affect them in terms of paying rent or utilities,” he said.

Barrels for toy donations will be at the city manager’s office at Saratoga City Hall, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., until Dec. 15. However, residents can drop off toys at Sacred Heart Community Services, 1381 S. First St. in San Jose, until Dec. 20. Toys can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

West Valley Community Services, a Cupertino-based nonprofit that provides financial living assistance, as well as a food bank, for those in need in the area, is also collecting toys and other gifts.

Many families coming in to receive help from the nonprofit are considered “new families,” said Naomi Nakano-Matsumoto, director with West Valley Community Services.

“They may have been donors or volunteers in the past but have lost their jobs, and the economy has made it difficult to get back into the workforce,” she said. “They’re struggling just to afford food and a place to live, and having a good Christmas is important to them. Letting the kids forget, at least for one day, about the problems their families are having is a huge gift for them.”

The agency also provides shelter and emergency assistance to more than 4,000 residents in Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino and West San Jose. Those who would like to donate toys or other gifts like umbrellas, small appliances, jackets or household items, should drop them off at 10104 Vista Drive in Cupertino before Dec. 16.

Giving can also be a teaching tool, as showcased by Saratoga Elementary School’s partnership with the Saratoga Fire Department in the Community Toys Program. The partnership will hopefully teach the school’s students that getting involved and helping the community matters, said principal Julie Ales.

“I believe it is so important for kids to get directly involved with their community. A school is a home, a neighborhood is a home, and when kids get involved and realize that what they do matters and is appreciated, it deepens their connection to the community around them,” she said.

Ales added that she hopes each child will bring in at least one toy, which would add up to about 400 donations. Residents can add to the school’s tally by dropping off toys to the front office of Saratoga Elementary, 14592 Oak St.

“We are happy with whatever people can give this time of year,” Ales said.

With more people out of work, there is a greater need for donations. Mouroux Chiropractic is one business in the area trying to help out by taking in donated gifts for the Toys for Tots program.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program began in 1947. Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children in the program’s 64-year history.

“This charitable endeavor has made U.S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas,” the Toys for Tots website states.

The business, at 20445 Prospect Road in San Jose, is collecting toys until Dec. 19.

“The Mouroux Chiropractic team is excited to be part of this wonderful event and look forward to seeing the community join together once again this holiday season,” said a spokesperson for the business.